Keynote speaker to discuss US mineral security at MINEXCHANGE 2026

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration’s annual conference and expo, MINEXCHANGE 2026, will take place Feb. 22–25, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The event will foster a hub for innovation, technical exchange and policy discussion for the global mining industry. Over four days, attendees will take part in short courses, technical sessions, field trips and networking events that highlight the advancement of the mining industry. The conference’s keynote session, titled “Regaining America’s Mineral Dominance,” will start at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 in the Grand Ballroom E–J. The speaker will address the sweeping policy actions now shaping the nation’s mineral future, following a series of executive orders issued by the Trump administration designed to bolster domestic mineral production and energy security. These directives, including Immediate Measures to Increase Domestic Mineral Production (EO 14241) and Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council (EO 14213), have set in motion a coordinated effort across the Departments of Interior, Energy, Defense and Commerce to enhance the United States’ position as a global leader in critical minerals. The invited speakers include Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox and Nate Foster, managing director of Rio Tinto Kennecott, who will examine how policy and industry are converging to meet surging demand for minerals essential to modern technology. Governor Cox is expected to highlight Utah’s long-standing role in American mining, from the early development of Kennecott Copper to its current position as a producer of 40 of the nation’s 50 identified critical minerals. Foster, meanwhile, will offer insights into Rio Tinto’s extensive operations in Utah, including the Kennecott Copper Mine — one of only two operating copper smelters in the United States — and the company’s ongoing efforts to build more resilient, sustainable supply chains. Rio Tinto’s work in critical mineral production, from copper and tellurium in Utah to new operations in Arizona, has made it a fundamental figure in the U.S. mineral economy. Projects such as the Resolution Copper development and the revival of Gunnison Copper using Rio Tinto’s innovative Nuton technology illustrate how private-sector leadership is driving sustainability in domestic mining. These advancements come at a critical moment for the industry, as copper prices remain near historic highs. The keynote session will emphasize that meeting future mineral demand will require a concerted effort between government, industry and technology partners to secure responsible, domestic production. Immediately following the keynote, the Robert E. Murray Innovation Award Lecture will start at 10 a.m. as part of the same session. Lucy England, managing director at FLSmidth, will present on “Sustainable Copper Mining Flowsheets and the MissionZero Mine.” England, who has spent more than 25 years in mineral processing and innovation, will discuss how FLSmidth’s MissionZero initiative aims to develop the world’s most efficient copper processing flowsheets, which have cut emissions, energy use and water consumption across the value chain. Her lecture will highlight the importance of industry collaboration and technology transfer to achieve meaningful reductions in mining’s environmental footprint. Aside from the keynote address, MINEXCHANGE will provide a plethora of other talks, ranging from award lectures to lunch speakers. The afternoon will continue with the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD) Plenary Session from 2-3:40 p.m., showcasing three distinguished award lectures. Jan Cilliers of Imperial College London will deliver the Antoine M. Gaudin Award Lecture on “Particles and Froths for Fun and Profit,” offering a look into the evolution of flotation and physical separation technologies. Robert E. McIvor, founder of Metcom Technologies, will present the Robert H. Richards Award Lecture on “Learning and Good Fortune on the Road to Discovery,” on the interconnected nature of grinding, milling and hydrocyclone systems. Rounding out the session, Ronel Kappes of Newmont Corp. will deliver the Milton E. Wadsworth Award Lecture on “In the Pursuit of Happiness — Leveraging Curiosity to Deliver Value,” drawing on her career-long commitment to technology application and process improvement in gold and base metal mining. On Feb. 24, the Women of SME Breakfast will be held from 7-9 a.m., featuring Beth Borody, chief executive officer of The Femina Collective, and Allison Coppel, chief executive officer of Pacha Associates, as facilitator. Borody’s talk on “Mining’s Untapped Wealth: Women” will explore how women’s growing influence as investors, executives and innovators is reshaping the industry’s economic and social landscape. The Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division Lunch from noon to 2 p.m. will feature Jenny Martin, vice president and head of communications and strategy at the Essential Minerals Association, and Benjamin Cox, co-founder of B2 Natural Capital, who will discuss the sector’s evolving role in supporting infrastructure and decarbonization initiatives. The Coal & Energy Division Lunch will spotlight Charles Lussier, chief commercial officer at Warrior Met Coal, presenting on “Warrior — Thriving Amid Uncertainty: Growing, Adapting, and Innovating.” Lussier will share insights from his decades-long career in energy and mining on how resilience, innovation and adaptability remain key to navigating industry volatility. On Feb. 25, attendees can look forward to two notable lunch events. The Jackling Lecture and Mining & Exploration Lunch from noon to 2 p.m. will feature Ralph J. Stegen, who will talk on “Exploration for Porphyry Copper Deposits in Western North America: Emphasis on Brownfield Exploration Methods and Results,” a retrospective on the history and future of exploration in some of the continent’s most prolific copper districts. The MPD Division Lunch from noon to 1:45 p.m. will feature John G. Mansanti of Excelsior Minerals, speaking on “Getting the ‘gists — Recruiting Process Talent.” Mansanti will address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: attracting and retaining the next generation of metallurgical and process engineering professionals. Beyond the speeches, attendees will have the opportunity to go on field trips. On Feb. 21 at 8:30 a.m., the Young Leaders Committee will host a home build in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area. Participants will spend six hours volunteering on a home-building site, learning new skills or demonstrating prior ones, which will wrap up around 3:30 p.m. On Feb. 26 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the world’s largest openpit copper mines, will offer participants the chance to learn about Bingham Canyon’s geology, gain an in-depth overview of data collection from core logging processes at Kennecott Copper Mine, and examine drill cores from both openpit and underground mining operations. That same day, MINEXCHANGE attendees also have the option to select an hour time slot, from 7-9 a.m., to view the complete Kennecott value stream. Participants will visit the historic Bingham Canyon openpit mine, one of the largest pits in the world, followed by a tour of the Kennecott Concentrator, showcasing the grinding floor and flotation circuit. This event will conclude with a walking tour of the Garfield Refinery. The third and final field trip will consist of a Kennecott tailings facility visit. Located near Magna, UT and the Rio Tinto smelting and refining facilities, participants will meet the staff and discover more about the intricacies of safely managing a large facility, while remaining a strong partner with local communities.Overall, attendees will gain access to traditional talks and technical programs but also receive a first-hand look at the industry’s live action. While fostering a center for networking, MINEXCHANGE’s expo will give participants the inside scoop on new products and services from big industry names. From discussions on the national mineral agenda to exhibiting technology redefining the future of mining, MINEXCHANGE 2026 stands at the forefront of industry transformation.

Keynote speaker to discuss US mineral security at MINEXCHANGE 2026

Authored by: Carrie Smith

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 73

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 73

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Dave Kanagy leaves a legacy of visionary leadership of SME

SME introduces committee addressing challenges and opportunities for automation and robotics in mining

Related Articles

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

The Art and Science of the Flowsheet

UCA Division officer nominations

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 73

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 73

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

Use Single Sign On